Venerable Wei Wu, Venerable Zhen Xin, Venerable Sangha members, and brothers and sisters in the Dharma. A very good morning to you all. Amituofo.

First of all, let me begin with a brief introduction of myself. My name is Hong Yew Chye. I have been with than Than Hsiang for the past four years as a supervisor for the Education Department overseeing the Buddhist Research Centre. I have not taken part in the Eight Precepts Retreat before and when Shifu encouraged all staff to sign up for a one day retreat, I willingly participated. More importantly, I feel that one should spend sometime on cultivation to better understand the teachings of the Buddha. However, I never expected to be called upon to give my experience of the fateful day with all of you. So here I am, sharing with you whatever I think is worth mentioning.

Firstly, I had to learn how to put on a hai ching, the black robe one had to don during the retreat. This presented no problem to me as many of my colleagues are quite expert at wearing it. So it took me about 15 minutes of practice in wearing the hai ching. Next I was instructed that strict silence had to be observed during the whole session and to continue till next morning when I was at home. On the appointed day I was all dressed up before 7.50am, waiting for the precept taking ceremony. The Amitabha Recitation Retreat comprises mainly the sitting and walking recitation divided into nine sessions starting from 8.00am to 10.00 pm. In my opinion, it had a balanced combination of sitting and walking in each session lasting about an hour. This arrangement made it less stressful for the elderly and at the same time not too monotonous for the young and uninitiated. When the chanting of the name of Amitabha Buddha filled the hall, one felt all hearts were joined and everyone shared a common bond that we all belonged to one family. This was a very heart warming experience.

By repeating the name “Amitabha” helped to calm the mind because as I concentrated on the recitation, my mind was freed from thinking of the mundane worldly matters. Personally I found the walking meditation more effective in practicing mindfulness when I combined the timing of my steps in tandem with the recitation; in other words, practicing mindfulness through synchronizing of the recitation with physical movement. As for the sitting meditation, a bit of endurance was required to withstand the numbness of the folded legs. But during the last two sessions, the numbness became more bearable as the legs got used to the posture. One had to be physically fit in order to gain any benefit from sitting meditation. The last session involved a certain degree of physical exertion when one had to chant and run around the hall. This session was most exhilarating and certainly good for blood circulation but not recommended for the elderly or those with weak hearts.

As a first timer it would be out of place and premature for me to talk about any spiritual achievement in a one-day retreat. But, it certainly provides me with a better perspective and a better understanding of the methodology of the Amitabha recitation cultivation. I would recommend all Buddhist to participate in the programme.

Before I end my sharing, I wish to thank Ven. Wei Wu, Ven. Zhen Xin, Sangha members, my colleagues, and volunteers who have helped in one way or another. All the best in you spiritual pursuit and may you be blessed with the triple gem.

Amituofo.